How are maintenance priorities established in the 3-M System?

In the 3-M System, maintenance priorities are primarily established based on the criticality and impact of equipment on operations. This approach ensures that the resources and maintenance efforts are focused on those systems and equipment that are essential for mission accomplishment. By prioritizing maintenance in this way, the 3-M System helps to enhance operational readiness and efficiency.

Understanding the criticality means evaluating how the failure of a particular piece of equipment might affect overall operations, safety, and mission success. By identifying key assets that have a significant impact on performance, the 3-M System can allocate maintenance resources effectively, ensuring that vital systems are maintained first.

This method of setting priorities helps in managing risks associated with equipment failures and ensures that limited maintenance resources are utilized where they will have the greatest effect in supporting fleet readiness. Therefore, the rationale behind this prioritization approach is closely aligned with operational effectiveness, making it clear why this option is the correct answer.